Doc Rivers’ advice for LeBron: Tell The Media To ‘Screw’ Itself

When asked about the level of criticism LeBron received, Rivers was surprisingly sympathetic: "Some of it was self-inflicted, some of it inflicted by everyone else. After Game 3, someone asked LeBron, ‘When are you going to step up’?. The problem is that he answered, when he should have said ‘Go screw yourself’."

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Doc Rivers is comfortable in his skin. LeBron James is not.

So Rivers, when absolutely necessary, can tell off the media without worrying about consequences or repercussions. Things usually work out for the Boston Celtics’ personable sideline boss.

James, however, is different. His image has fallen faster than the American real estate market. Everything he says has consequences and/or repercussions. Lately, things haven’t been working out for the Miami Heat’s superstar.

What’s the answer?

Well, James has to find better people to support him. For instance, his media/communications guy can’t be his boy from an old AAU team.

James needs a world-class PR firm by his side 24/7. He needs to be retrained on interacting with the media. And he needs to do this now.

Finally, he needs to reflect and think on what’s important: his family and basketball. Hopefully, gaining perspective will allow James to again feel comfortable with himself.